Africa Cup of Nations

Mali, Guinea managers slam 'unfair' AFCON qualification system

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 29 January 2015

Guinea manager Michel Dussuyer questions whether the drawing of lots is the correct system to use to decide the fate of his side at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Mali boss Henri Kasperczak believes that the drawing of lots to decide his side's Africa Cup of Nations fate is not a fair way of doing things.

Five of the six Group D games finished as 1-1 draws, ensuring that Guinea and Mali were tied for second place.

A draw is required later today to decide which of the two sides progresses through, although Kasperczak has his doubts over the qualification system.

"We have to solve the problems of qualification without a drawing of lots," he is quoted as saying by BBC Sport.

Guinea manager Michel Dussuyer was equally perplexed, adding: "Mali do not deserve to be eliminated in this way, just as we do not. Mali didn't lose a game - they played very well in the tournament. I would be disappointed, but it's hard for any team. No-one deserves to be eliminated."

The draw, which is the first of its kind at this tournament since 1988, will take place at a hotel in Malabo at 3pm GMT, with the successful team going on to play Ghana in Sunday's quarter-final.